Download Action Verb

Name
Lesson
1
Date
What Is a Verb?
Teaching
A verb is a word used to express an action, a condition, or a state of being. The
two main kinds of verbs are action verbs and linking verbs. Both kinds can be
appear with helping verbs
An action verb tells what the subject does. The action may be physical or mental.
She rides motorcycles. (physical action)
I prefer a bike. (mental action)
A linking verb links the subject of the sentence to a word in the predicate. The
most common linking verbs are forms of the verb be, as in We are late.
Linking Verbs
Sample Verbs
Forms of be
be, is, am, are, was, were, been, being
Verbs that express condition
look, smell, feel, sound, taste, grow, appear, become, seem
Some verbs may act either as action verbs or as linking verbs.
She smells the perfume. (action)
It smells flowery. (linking)
Helping verbs help the main verb express action or show time. They are combined
with the main verbs to form verb phrases.
He has planted the crops. (The helping verb is has. The main verb is planted.)
CHAPTER 4
A few verbs can serve as either helping verbs or main verbs.
He has a tractor. (The main verb is has.)
Common Helping Verbs
Forms of have: has, have, had
Forms of be: be, am, is, are, was, were, been, being
Forms of do: do, does, did
Others: could, should, would, may, might, must, can, shall, will
Identifying Verbs
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
Underline the verb or verb phrase in each sentence. On the line to the right, label
the verb with A for action or L for linking.
1. The subway travels at fast speeds under the ground.
________
2. During rush hour, the subway trains become quite crowded.
________
3. The subway driver controls the trains.
________
4. Some subways are over the ground.
________
5. The trains stay on their train tracks at all times.
________
6. Subways cause less air pollution than do automobiles.
________
7. However, subways sound very loud to nearby onlookers.
________
8. I ride the subway often.
________
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK 79
Name
Lesson
1
Date
What Is a Verb?
More Practice
A. Identifying Verbs
Underline the verb or verb phrase in each sentence. On the line to the right, label
the verb with A for action or L for linking.
1. Mail travels overseas on airplanes.
______
2. Mail also can go overseas by boats.
______
3. Boats are slower but less expensive.
______
4. Most people send their mail overseas by airplane.
______
5. Boats might take weeks for the trip across the ocean.
______
6. Boats were once the only form of transportation across the ocean.
______
7. The post office can use trucks, trains, and planes to move mail.
______
8. In the past, horses have carried mail across the country.
______
In Exercise A, find four sentences that use helping verbs. In each box below, write
those sentence numbers and the parts of each verb phrase in the correct columns.
Helping Verb(s)
Main Verb
Helping Verb(s)
Main Verb
#___ _____________ _____________
#___ _____________ _____________
#___ _____________ _____________
#___ _____________ _____________
C. Using Verbs
In each sentence, replace the underlined verb with a more specific verb.
1. A hovercraft stays above the water surface on a layer of blown air.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Jumbo jets move at speeds of 550 miles per hour.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Animals, such as horses and camels, get people and goods over the land.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Robert Fulton made the first efficient steamboat, the Clermont.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
80 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
CHAPTER 4
B. Identifying Helping Verbs and Main Verbs
Name
Lesson
1
Date
What Is a Verb?
Application
A. Identifying and Replacing Verbs
In each sentence, underline the verb or verb phrase. If the verb is an action verb,
rewrite the sentence with another action verb. If the original verb is a linking verb,
simply write Linking.
1. The Alaskan pipeline transports over two million barrels of oil per day.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Automobiles are the most popular mode of transportation today.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Europeans use trains more often than Americans do.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
4. The rotation of rotor blades moves a helicopter.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
5. All passengers in cars should wear their seat belts.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
6. A tow truck has moved the broken-down car.
B. Using Verbs
On each line, write an action verb that makes sense in the sentence and
paragraph. Underline every linking verb.
My uncle travels across the country often. He ________________ different
modes of transportation. He ________________ his car sometimes, but only in
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
good weather. Also, he ________________ cars when he doesn’t want to put
too many miles on his own car. Often he ________________ on airplanes for
the longer journeys. However, for variety he ________________ a ticket for the
train. It’s a more entertaining way to travel than the plane. Next time, he says,
he will ________________ either by boat or by helicopter.
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK 81
CHAPTER 4
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Name
Lesson
2
Date
Action Verbs and Objects
Teaching
Action verbs often require words that complete their meaning. These words are
called complements. These complements are direct objects and indirect objects.
A direct object is a word or words that name the receiver of the action. It answers
what or whom receives the action of the verb.
Larry tells stories. (What does Larry tell? stories)
An indirect object tells to what or whom or for what or whom an action is done.
Verbs that take indirect objects include bring, give, make, send, show, teach, tell,
and write.
Larry tells his friends stories. (To whom does Larry tell stories? his friends)
Remember that if the preposition to appears before a word, that word is not an
indirect object.
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs An action verb that has a direct object is called a
transitive verb. An action verb that does not have a direct object is an intransitive
verb.
Gina claps her hands. (What does Gina clap? hands Here claps is transitive.)
Colby claps loudly. (How does Colby clap? loudly Here claps is intransitive.)
Identifying Direct and Indirect Objects, and Transitive and
Intransitive Verbs
In each sentence, underline the verb or verb phrase. Above each boldfaced word
write DO, IO, or ADV for direct object, indirect object, or adverb. On the line to the
right, write whether the verb is Transitive or Intransitive.
1. Each of us told the group a story.
________________
2. Andrea narrated a tale of terror and bloodshed.
________________
3. Everyone was listening very carefully.
4. Who wrote “The Pit and the Pendulum”?
________________
5. Marcus gave us a lesson in pronunciation.
________________
6. Joe read the class a poem.
________________
7. Gordon was writing Katrina a long letter.
________________
8. Anna spoke indistinctly.
________________
9. Peter and Al presented a little skit.
________________
10. Peter played the part of a policeman.
82 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK
________________
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
CHAPTER 4
Do not be confused when an intransitive verb is followed by an adverb. A direct object
tells what or whom, while an adverb tells how, when, where, or to what extent.
Name
Lesson
2
Date
Action Verbs and Objects
More Practice
A. Identifying Direct and Indirect Objects, and Transitive and
Intransitive Verbs
In each sentence, underline the verb or verb phrase. Above each boldfaced word
write DO, IO, or ADV for direct object, indirect object, or adverb. On the line at the
right, write whether the verb is Transitive or Intransitive.
________________
2. She told several classmates a nasty story about her friends.
________________
3. She was lying shamelessly.
________________
4. Thomas repeated the tale.
________________
5. He told his friends a slightly different version.
________________
6. Friends of the victims reacted angrily.
________________
7. They told the principal everything.
________________
8. He has given Louise and Thomas detention for a week.
________________
9. Eloise never repeats gossip.
________________
________________
10. She speaks truthfully.
B. Completing Transitive Verbs by Adding Direct Objects
Add a direct object to each of these sentences.
1. Public service announcements give listeners __________________________
about various topics.
2. During blizzards, radio stations report __________________________.
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
3. They must verify their __________________________ before making their
announcements.
4. Traffic announcers report __________________________ on the roads.
5. Photographers shoot __________________________ of unusual occurrences.
6. Sportscasters tell viewers__________________________ of the latest games.
7. Sometimes news bulletins interrupt __________________________.
8. During tornado alerts, viewers get __________________________ from local TV
and radio stations.
9. A few hours after voting booths close, TV stations tell us
__________________________.
10. Yesterday I watched__________________________ on the TV.
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK 83
CHAPTER 4
1. Louise started that rumor.
Name
Lesson
2
Date
Action Verbs and Objects
Application
A. Changing Intransitive Verbs to Transitive Verbs by Adding
Direct Objects
The verb in each sentence below is an intransitive verb, without a direct object.
Rewrite the sentence, using the same subject and verb but changing the rest of
the sentence to make the verb transitive. Underline both the verb and the direct
object that you add.
EXAMPLE The clown juggled skillfully.
The clown juggled six colored balls at one time.
1. Elena paints well.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Hans studied for an hour.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Olive practiced earlier today.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
5. The late-comers watched from the back of the auditorium.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
B. Using Direct and Indirect Objects and Transitive and
Intransitive Verbs
Write a paragraph about hearing or telling a made-up story or presenting a factual
report about true events. In the paragraph, use at least four terms from each box.
Use the verbs as either transitive or intransitive verbs. Use the nouns and pronouns
as direct or indirect objects. Underline each verb you use as a transitive verb.
Nouns and Pronouns
Verbs
told
reported
stated
called
story
report
photo
girl
spoke
learned
showed
helped
facts
event
news
boy
put
gave
taught
enjoyed
her
him
us
them
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
84 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
CHAPTER 4
4. The boys will learn quickly.
Name
Lesson
3
Date
Linking Verbs and Predicate Words
Teaching
A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to a word or words in the
predicate. This word is called a subject complement. The subject complement
identifies or describes the subject. Some common linking verbs are is, feel, seem,
and look.
Costumes are clothing. (linking verb: are; subject complement: clothing)
Some costumes look fancy. (linking verb: look; subject complement: fancy)
There are two kinds of subject complements.
A predicate noun is a noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and identifies,
renames, or defines the subject.
Uniforms are my favorite costumes. (The predicate noun costumes identifies the
subject, uniforms.)
A predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb and describes or
modifies the subject.
That uniform looks really cool. (The predicate adjective cool describes the subject,
uniform.)
CHAPTER 4
Identifying Linking Verbs and Predicate Words
In each sentence, underline the subject once and the verb twice. Write the
predicate word on the line to the right.
1. Flamenco is a traditional dance from southern Spain.
________________
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
2. Brightly colored dresses are the costume of female flamenco dancers. ________________
3. These beautiful dresses look frilly.
________________
4. The skirts are ruffled.
________________
5. Flowers are part of the women's costumes.
________________
6. The dancers’ jewelry looks colorful.
________________
7. Their shoes sound noisy.
________________
8. The men’s bolero jackets seem short.
________________
9. Do the jackets feel tight?
________________
10. A key part of the costume is a black hat.
________________
11. Flamenco dancers seem very energetic.
________________
12. Are Spanish Gypsies the best flamenco dancers?
________________
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK 85
Name
Lesson
3
Date
Linking Verbs and Predicate Words
More Practice
A. Identifying Linking Verbs and Predicate Words
1. A traditional Japanese garment is a kimono.
________________
2. A kimono is a robe like a wraparound for the body.
________________
3. Today, kimonos are clothing for special occasions only.
________________
4. An obi is a sash around a kimono.
________________
5. Zori are thong sandals.
________________
6. Pink kimonos seem popular with young girls.
________________
7. Black is the color of a formal kimono for married women.
________________
8. The silk kimono with the floral design seems expensive.
________________
9. This cotton kimono feels comfortable.
________________
10. The wedding kimono with the crane design looks beautiful.
________________
B. Using Predicate Words
Complete each sentence by writing a predicate complement in the blank. In the
parentheses following the sentence, write PN if you added a predicate noun or
PA if you added a predicate adjective.
1. The brown cowboy boots with the pointy toes look ________________. (____)
2. My favorite shoes are my ________________. (____)
3. For us, the favorite costume day is ________________. (____)
4. At New Year’s Eve, people are usually________________ about a new beginning.
(____)
5. The clothing of party-goers seems particularly ________________. (____)
6. Their noise-makers sound especially ________________ at midnight. (____)
7. The uniforms of sports teams are, in a sense, a ________________. (____)
8. This bicycle helmet feels ________________. (____)
9. Those flippers worn by scuba divers are ________________. (____)
10. Snowshoes appear ________________, but they are effective. (____)
86 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
CHAPTER 4
In each sentence, underline the subject once and the verb twice. Write the
predicate noun or predicate adjective on the line to the right.
Name
Lesson
3
Date
Linking Verbs and Predicate Words
Application
A. Identifying Linking Verbs and Predicate Words
In each sentence, underline the subject once and the verb twice. Write the
predicate word on the line to the right. After the predicate word, identify it by
writing PN for predicate noun or PA for predicate adjective.
EXAMPLE Many knights of the king were soldiers in armor.
soldiers, PN
1. For many centuries, the costume of a rich soldier was armor.
_______________
2. Mail armor is rings of iron in a linked pattern.
_______________
3. Suits of armor appear very uncomfortable.
_______________
4. Plate armor from the 15th century is solid metal.
_______________
5. A gauntlet is plate armor for a knight's hand and wrist.
_______________
6. A suit of armor felt hot in the sun.
_______________
7. The fasteners for a knight's armor were leather straps.
_______________
8. Did walking knights sound creaky?
_______________
Change the predicate word for each sentence in Exercise A. When possible,
replace predicate nouns with predicate adjectives, and predicate adjectives with
predicate nouns. Add other words in the predicate as needed.
loyal followers. OR
Many knights of the king were courageous.
EXAMPLE Many knights of the king were
1. For many centuries, the costume of a rich soldier was ______________________________
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
2. Mail armor is __________________________________________________________________.
3. Suits of armor appear __________________________________________________________.
4. Plate armor from the 15th century is ______________________________________________.
5. A gauntlet is __________________________________________________________________.
6. A suit of armor felt ______________________________________________________________.
7. The fasteners for a knight's armor were __________________________________________.
8. Did walking knights sound ______________________________________________________?
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK 87
CHAPTER 4
B. Using Linking Verbs and Predicate Words
Name
Lesson
4
Date
Principal Parts of Verbs
Teaching
Every verb has four basic forms called its principal parts: the present, the present
participle, the past, and the past participle. With helping verbs, these four parts
make all the tenses and forms of the verb.
I enjoy Mozart’s music. (Present)
I am enjoying this performance. (Present participle)
I enjoyed past concerts. (Past)
I have enjoyed his works for years. (Past participle)
The Four Principal Parts of a Verb
Present
Present Participle
Past
Past Participle
enjoy
(is) enjoying
enjoyed
(has) enjoyed
listen
(is) listening
listened
(has) listened
There are two kinds of verbs: regular and irregular.
A regular verb is a verb whose past and past participle are formed by adding –ed or
–d to the present. The present participle is formed by adding –ing to the present.
Spelling changes are needed in some words, for example, carry-carried.
Present
Present Participle
Past
Past Participle
enjoy
(is) enjoy + ing
enjoy + ed
(has) enjoy + ed
Irregular verbs are discussed in the next lesson.
Identifying Forms of Regular Verbs
Identify each underlined principal part of the verb. Write Pres., Pres. Part., Past, or
Past Part. on the line to identify the present, present participle, past, or past
participle form.
EXAMPLE The conductor has chosen the music for the concert.
Past Part.
1. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed more than 600 works.
______________
2. The orchestra has performed dozens of them.
______________
3. Tonight they are playing the Haffner Symphony.
______________
4. They often present his piano sonatas.
______________
5. His operas feature great characterizations.
______________
6. Mozart died at age 35.
______________
7. He was buried in a pauper’s grave.
______________
8. It is not known who commissioned Mozart’s Requiem.
______________
9. Some people have suggested that Mozart wrote it for himself.
______________
10. The college choral group is presenting the Requiem at tonight's concert.
88 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK
______________
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
CHAPTER 4
Regular Verbs
Name
Lesson
4
Date
Principal Parts of Verbs
More Practice
A. Identifying Forms of Regular Verbs
Identify each underlined principal part of the verb. Write Pres., Pres. Part., Past, or
Past Part. to identify the present, present participle, past, or past participle form.
1. Rita’s forgetting the book caused a delay.
______________
2. The sleepy baby is making a fuss over his missing blanket.
______________
3. When is the bus stopping here?
______________
4. We are attempting to work the problem now.
______________
5. Who in this room likes radishes?
______________
6. Martha considered her schedule before making plans.
______________
7. Henry played his heart out, but his team lost anyway.
______________
8. We have wondered about the ending of that story.
______________
9. I agree to your compromise.
______________
B. Writing the Correct Forms of Verbs
Decide which form of the verb given in parentheses is needed. Write the correct
form on the line.
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
EXAMPLE Mozart had (compose) several sonatas by age 12.
composed
1. Critics have (praise) Mozart for his taste and technique.
______________
2. We particularly (respond) to his melodies.
______________
3. Mozart was (compose) music when he was five.
______________
4. He first (perform) in concert from about age seven.
______________
5. I am (learn) to play a song from The Marriage of Figaro on the piano.
______________
6. I have (like) that tune since the first time I heard it.
______________
7. The first audiences (love) the comedy of Figaro as well as the music.
______________
8. The local opera company is (present) the opera this weekend.
______________
9. My cousin will be (play) the part of Cherubino.
______________
10. Musicians ever since Mozart’s time have (imitate) him.
______________
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK 89
CHAPTER 4
______________
10. They are forming a new governing board now.
Name
Lesson
4
Date
Principal Parts of Verbs
Application
B. Writing the Correct Forms of Verbs
Decide which form of the verb given in parentheses is needed. Write the correct form
on the line. Then identify which form you have used. Write Pres., Pres. Part., Past, or
Past Part. to identify the present, present participle, past, or past participle form.
stopped, Past Part.
1. The police are (question) the suspect.
_______________________
2. The queen had (assign) the knights a difficult task.
_______________________
3. We (paint) the house last summer.
_______________________
4. The paint had (start) to peel.
_______________________
5. All summer, the painters (work) on it.
_______________________
6. Harriet was (clean) her room.
_______________________
7. I (clean) the garage every week.
_______________________
8. Mom (serve) tuna fish salad yesterday.
_______________________
9. The team has (play) twice this year and has lost both times.
_______________________
10. Who will be (face) us in the playoffs?
_______________________
B. Supplying Verbs in the Correct Forms
Almost all the verbs other than helping verbs are missing from this paragraph.
Choose the verb from the box that best completes each sentence. Be sure to use
the correct verb form.
play
include
tap
die
compose
listen
travel
force
direct
Have you ever ________________ to A Little Night Music by Wolfgang
Amadeus Mozart? It ________________ several lively melodies. The music is
so cheerful that it ________________ you to hum or whistle along. If you can’t
carry a tune, you will be ________________ time to the music. The young man
who ________________ the music was a musical prodigy. He ________________
violin and harpsichord almost as an infant, and was a composer by the age of
five. As a child, he ________________ all over Europe with his father and sister,
giving concerts. In his teens he was ________________ orchestras.
Unfortunately, he ________________ young, at the age of 35.
90 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
CHAPTER 4
EXAMPLE The traffic has (stop) at the light.
Name
Lesson
5
Date
Irregular Verbs
Teaching
Irregular verbs are verbs whose past and past participle are not formed by adding
–ed or –d to the present. The five sections of this chart show different patterns
used to form the past and past participles of many irregular verbs.
Present Past
Group 1
The forms of the
present, past, &
past participle
are same
Group 2
The forms of
past & past
participle
are same
Group 3
The past
participle is
formed by adding
-n or -en to
the past.
Past Participle
burst
cost
hurt
let
put
set
shut
(have) burst
(have) cost
(have) hurt
(have) let
(have) put
(have) set
(have) shut
bring
catch
get
lead
sit
brought
caught
got
led
sat
(has) brought
(has) caught
(has) got
(has) led
(has) sat
break
choose
freeze
lie
speak
wear
broke
chose
froze
lay
spoke
wore
(have) broken
(have) chosen
(have) frozen
(have) lain
(have) spoken
(have) worn
Group 5
The last vowel
changes from i
in the present to
a in the past, to u
in the past
participle.
Present Past
Past Participle
do
eat
fall
five
go
know
run
see
take
throw
did
ate
fell
gave
went
knew
ran
saw
took
threw
(have) done
(have) eaten
(have) fallen
(have) given
(have) gone
(have) known
(have) run
(have) seen
(have) taken
(have) thrown
begin
drink
ring
sing
sink
swim
began
drank
rang
sang
sunk
swam
(have) begun
(have) drunk
(have) rung
(have) sung
(have) sunk
(have) swum
The different forms of the verb be do not follow any pattern.
Present
Past
Past Participle
am, is, are
was, were
(have) been
Using the Correct Forms of Irregular Verbs
Underline the correct verb form of the two in parentheses.
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
1. The judges have (chose, chosen) the finalists.
2. Our mayor has not (broke, broken) any promises.
3. Everyone (drank, drunk) milk with the sandwiches.
4. Soccer fans (began, begun) to fill the stands an hour before the game.
5. Have you (brung, brought) your application with you?
6. We (did, done) an experiment showing the effects of global warming.
7. Rabbits (ate, eaten) most of the lettuce in our garden.
8. I haven’t (gave, given) my poetry reading yet.
9. My summer vacation certainly (went, gone) quickly.
10. Very few people (knew, known) about the secret room.
11. Grapes have (grew, grown) in this valley for years.
12. The last of the marathon entrants has (run, ran) past the finish line.
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK 91
CHAPTER 4
burst
cost
hurt
let
put
set
shut
Group 4
The past
participle is
formed from the
present, often
adding -n, -en,
or -ne.
Name
Lesson
5
Date
Irregular Verbs
More Practice
A. Using the Correct Forms of Irregular Verbs
Underline the correct verb form of the two in parentheses.
1. The barbershop quartet (sang, sung) in close harmony.
2. I (saw, seen) a hilarious sitcom on television last night.
3. My teacher must have (spoke, spoken) to the coach.
4. The soprano (took, taken) an extra breath for her high notes.
5. The seal (swam, swum) to the rocky island.
6. Two players were (threw, thrown) out of the game.
7. A burgler has (stole, stolen) the diamond jewelry.
8. Jane (wrote, written) several papers on the computer last week.
9. The milk must have (froze, frozen) on the porch.
10. A baby robin has (fell, fallen) out of the nest.
11. The principal (rang, rung) the fire alarm.
12. We have (shook, shaken) the tree to get some apples to fall.
Decide which form is needed: the present participle, the past, or the past participle
of each verb given in parentheses. Write the correct form on the line.
EXAMPLE The squirrels have (steal) the birdfeed.
stolen
1. Amiko (choose) her library books yesterday.
________________
2. My favorite jeans have (begin) to wear out.
________________
3. Someone (break) that valuable Chinese vase.
________________
4. Why didn’t you (bring) your skateboard?
________________
5. The cattle have (eat) the corn and oats.
________________
6. Patty has (do) twice as much research as Ron.
________________
7. No, I have never (drink) coconut milk.
________________
8. Another spacecraft (go) into orbit around the moon.
________________
9. My father has (give) me a new pair of skates.
________________
10. My hair (grow) two inches during the vacation.
________________
92 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
CHAPTER 4
B. Writing the Correct Forms of Verbs
Name
Lesson
5
Date
Irregular Verbs
Application
A. Writing the Correct Forms of Verbs
Decide which form of the verb given in parentheses is needed. Write the correct
form on the line. Identify the form you used by writing Present, Past, or PP for
past participle.
EXAMPLE The horse (spring) into action at Roy’s call.
sprang, Past
________________
2. Have you (speak) to anyone about your vacation plans?
________________
3. Who (see) your solar calculator last?
________________
4. The senior choir has (sing) a medley of show tunes.
________________
5. Our lawn mower (run) out of gas before I finished the lawn.
________________
6. Who could have (steal) such a heavy statue?
________________
7. I have (write) several poems for the school newspaper.
________________
8. The team (swim) warm-up laps before the meet.
________________
9. Who has (take) the schedule off the bulletin board?
________________
10. The skittish pony (throw) everyone who tries to ride it.
________________
B. Proofreading for the Correct Forms of Verbs
Draw a line through each incorrect verb form in this paragraph. Draw this
proofreading symbol ^ next to the error and, in the spaces between lines of type,
write the correct form of the verb.
gone
EXAMPLE In the past, Dad has went ice fishing with my uncle.
^
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
Last weekend I went ice-fishing for the first time with my dad and nearly
freezed to death. I weared two pairs of wool socks, but needed about four.
For six hours, we sitted in this little hut and fished through a hole in the ice,
but the fish weren't biting. After a while, I begun to get hungry. When I told
my dad, he opened a can of cold sardines, and we eat them with some stale
crackers.
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK 93
CHAPTER 4
1. Currently, the police (know) of no motive for the crime.
Name
Lesson
6
Date
Simple Tenses
Teaching
A tense is a verb form that shows the time of an action or condition. Verbs have
three simple tenses: the present, the past, and the future. The present tense
shows an action or condition that occurs now. The past tense shows an action or
condition that was completed in the past. The future tense shows an action or
condition that will occur in the future.
Present
Past
Future
Rain aids plant growth. Rain is helpful.
Rain aided plant growth. Rain was helpful.
Rain will aid plant growth. Rain will be helpful.
The progressive form of a verb shows an action or condition that is in progress.
The progressive forms of the three simple tenses are used to show that actions
are, were, or will be in progress.
Present Progressive Rain is aiding plant growth.
Past Progressive
Rain was aiding plant growth.
Future Progressive Rain will be aiding plant growth.
Tense
Singular
Plural
Present
I aid / you aid / he, she, it aids
we aid / you aid / they aid
Past
I aided / you aided / he, she, it aided
we aided / you aided / they aided
Future
I will aid / you will aid / he, she, it will aid
we will aid / you will aid / they will aid
Form the present, past, and future progressive by using the forms of the verb be with
the present participle of the verb, as in I am talking, I was talking, and I will be talking.
Recognizing the Simple Tenses
Identify the tense of each underlined verb. On the line, label the tense:
Present, Past, Future, or Present P, Past P., or Future P. for present, past, or
future progressive.
1. The sun is chasing the clouds away.
________________
2. It rained yesterday.
________________
3. It will be snowing before long.
________________
4. Clouds were darkening the sky to the west.
________________
5. The sun warms the earth.
________________
6. The warm night air will dry the puddles.
________________
7. The rain is spoiling our picnic plan.
________________
8. Rain promises future growth.
________________
9. Three months ago, snow was falling every day.
________________
10. In the morning, I will be rising early for our hike.
________________
94 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
CHAPTER 4
The present tense is the present principal part of the verb. The past tense is the
past principal part. To form the future tense, add will to the present principal part.
Name
Lesson
6
Date
Simple Tenses
More Practice
A. Recognizing the Simple Tenses
Identify the tense of each underlined verb. On the line, label the tense:
Present, Past, Future, or Present P, Past P., or Future P. for present, past, or
future progressive.
1. Are you planning a picnic?
________________
2. We will be organizing a baseball game.
________________
3. If it rains, we won’t be able to play baseball.
________________
4. It rained last year, and we played baseball anyway.
________________
5. If it’s windy, we will be flying kites.
________________
6. Last year I was paddling a canoe when it started raining.
________________
7. I paddled back to the boathouse in a hurry.
________________
8. We will barbecue again, won’t we?
________________
9. I was hoping for a balloon-toss contest with water-filled balloons.
________________
B. Using the Simple Tenses
In each item, provide the form of the verb requested in parentheses.
1. (predict, present progressive) The meteorologists _______________________
gradual cooling.
2. (snow, future) I’m sure it _______________________ well before Christmas.
3. (skate, future progressive) We _______________________ on the park lake
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
before long.
4. (sled, past) Last year we _______________________ in the park until the end of
March.
5. (skate, present) Helen _______________________ but prefers skiing.
6. (play, past) Ali _______________________ hockey when she was younger.
7. (play, past progressive) She _______________________ goalie when she got a
broken arm.
8. (wait, present progressive) My dogs _______________________ to go on a walk.
9. (travel, future progressive) Soon Eddie _______________________ to Florida for a
vacation.
10. (enjoy, past progressive) People there _______________________ sunshine while
we had snow storms.
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK 95
CHAPTER 4
________________
10. I am looking forward to the event already.
Name
Lesson
6
Date
Simple Tenses
Application
A. Correcting Simple Tenses of Verbs
Although the times referred to in this paragraph vary from past to future, all of its
verbs are in the present tense. Rewrite the paragraph, correcting verb tenses as
needed. Use progressive tenses if the action is, was, or will be in progress.
Underline every verb.
Today the sun shines brightly. Until the end of the week we enjoy warm
weather. This contrasts with the weather last year. Last year at this time
snow covers the ground. Ice causes trouble for vehicles and pedestrians.
Personally, I prefer the unseasonably warm weather. I hope that next year the
warm temperatures return.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
B. Using Verb Forms Correctly
For each verb on the list, write the form requested in parentheses. Then write a
paragraph about a topic of your choice that uses at least four of the phrases. Make
sure all verb forms are used correctly.
(find, present) I _____________________
(measure, future) I _____________________
(listen, past) I _____________________
(compare, future progressive) I
_____________________
(watch, present
progressive) I _____________________
(observe, past progressive) I
_____________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
96 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
CHAPTER 4
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Name
Lesson
7
Date
Perfect Tenses
Teaching
The present perfect tense shows an action or condition that began in the past and
continues into the present.
Present Perfect Dan has called every day this week.
The past perfect tense shows an action or condition in the past that came before
another action or condition in the past.
Past Perfect
Dan had called before Ellen arrived.
The future perfect tense shows an action or condition in the future that will occur
before another action or condition in the future.
Future Perfect
Dan will have called before Ellen arrives.
To form the present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect tenses, add has, have,
had, or will have to the past participle.
Singular
Plural
Present Perfect
has or have + past participle
I have called
you have called
he, she, it has called
we have called
you have called
they have called
Past Perfect
had + past participle
I had called
you had called
he, she, it had called
we had called
you had called
they had called
Future Perfect
will + have + past participle
I will have called
you will have called
he, she, it will have called
we will have called
you will have called
they will have called
Recognizing the Perfect Tenses
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
Underline the verb in each sentence. On the blank, write the tense of the verb.
1. The film house has not developed the pictures yet.
_______________________
2. Fred will have left before Erin’s arrival.
_______________________
3. Florence has been a vary gracious hostess.
_______________________
4. Andi had lost her transfer by the end of the bus ride.
_______________________
5. By tonight, I will have finished my assignment.
_______________________
6. Before the discovery of the buried chest, Joe had not believed
_______________________
in buried treasure.
7. We have worked over an hour on one math problem.
_______________________
8. Until his college years, Carl had not decided on his career.
_______________________
9. The snow plows had cleared our street before the really
heavy snowstorm.
10. Have the Ortons found their dog yet?
_______________________
_______________________
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK 97
CHAPTER 4
Tense
Name
Lesson
7
Date
Perfect Tenses
More Practice
A. Recognizing the Perfect Tenses
Underline the verb in each sentence. On the blank, write the tense of the verb.
1. Olga had figured out the answer before her teacher’s explanation. _______________________
2. I have walked every day now for a month.
_______________________
3. Vickie had liked Nels until their argument.
_______________________
4. Alf will have jogged 70 miles by the end of next week.
_______________________
5. By lunch time, Rusty had started cooking dinner.
_______________________
6. Ira has practiced piano every day for a week.
_______________________
7. At this rate, we will not have finished the 30 chapters by June. _______________________
8. Our HMO has added a number of new physicians to the staff.
_______________________
9. The ice on the lake will have melted long before the weekend. _______________________
_______________________
B. Forming the Perfect Tenses
Complete each sentence by writing the form of the verb indicated in parentheses.
1. (finish, past perfect) We _______________________ our game before the
Meteors started theirs.
2. (graduate, future perfect) Margie _______________________ before the spring
semester.
3. (vote, past perfect) Union members _______________________ before they saw
the contract.
4. (exercise, present perfect) We _______________________ three times this
week.
5. (talk, past perfect) The manager _______________________ to the pitcher twice
by that time.
6. (clean, future perfect) I _______________________ the whole kitchen by the
time Mom returns.
7. (offer, present perfect) Angelica frequently _______________________ to help.
8. (produce, future perfect) By the end of this writing course, you
_______________________ a plot outline and at least four chapters of your novel.
9. (picked, past perfect) He _______________________ ten bushels before the
truck showed up.
10. (search, present perfect) The rescuers _______________________ the area
for hours.
98 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
CHAPTER 4
10. The window had cracked before the wind storm.
Name
Lesson
7
Date
Perfect Tenses
Application
A. Using Verb Tenses
The following is a journal entry of a girl of the mid-1800s in a wagon train heading
for California. Supply verbs to the narrative in the tenses indicated in parentheses.
Use verbs from the list below.
be, expect, walk, insist, pack, lose
The first month on the trail (present perfect) _______________________
challenging. Before we set out, I (past perfect) _______________________
that I would ride the wagon, but instead I (present perfect)
_______________________ miles every day. Mother (present perfect)
_______________________ that I always wear a bonnet because of the sun. It’s
a good thing that we (past perfect) _______________________ so many
bonnets, because the wind keeps blowing them off my head and across the
prairie! I think I (future perfect) _______________________ all my bonnets
before we arrive in California.
Choose a trip you have made or would like to make. Write sentences about the trip
using the following verbs in the tenses indicated.
1. see (future) ____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2. pack (present perfect) ____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
3. hope (past progressive) __________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
4. visit (future perfect) ______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
5. be (past perfect) ________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
6. learn (past progressive) __________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
7. try (future perfect) ______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK 99
CHAPTER 4
B. Using Verb Tenses
Name
Lesson
8
Date
Using Verb Tenses
Teaching
In writing and speaking, you use the tenses of verbs to indicate when events
happen. Changing tenses indicates a change in time. If you do not need to indicate
a change in time between two actions, keep the tenses of verbs the same.
The Present Tenses These tenses show events occurring in the present time:
Present
Action occurs in the present.
count, counts
Present perfect
Action began in past and continues in present.
has counted, have counted
Present progressive
Action is in progress now.
is counting, are counting
The Past Tenses These tenses show events occurring in a past time:
Past
Action began and ended in the past.
counted
Past perfect
Action began and ended before another
event in the past.
had counted
Action in the past was ongoing.
was counting
Past progressive
Future
Action will occur in the future.
will count
Future perfect
Action will occur in the future before another
action in the future.
will have counted
Action in the future will be ongoing.
will be counting
Future progressive
Using Verb Tenses
Underline the verb form in parentheses that correctly completes each sentence.
1. In normal activities, we usually (use, had used) ten as our base for counting.
2. Last night, whoever (counted, will count) sheep did so on a base ten system.
3. Tomorrow, children (have used, will use) their fingers to find answers to
math facts.
4. Long ago, our counting system (developed, develops) with the base of ten.
5. Obviously, using ten (came, will be coming) easily because of our ten fingers.
6. Some of the oldest writings still in existence (had shown, show) counting by ten.
7. Over 2,000 years ago, Romans (were using, will be using) ten-based numerals.
8. Since the founding of the country, the U.S. government (has produced, will
produce) coins and bills based on a decimal system.
9. Yet a ten-based system is not the only one you (have used, had used) today.
10. A clock (has counted, counts) to twelve and then starts over.
11. Before an hour passed, sixty minutes (had passed, are passing).
12. A week (consisted, consists) of seven days, not ten.
100 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
CHAPTER 4
The Future Tenses These tenses show events occurring in a future time:
Name
Lesson
8
Date
Using Verb Tenses
More Practice
A. Using Verb Tenses
Underline the verb form in parentheses that correctly completes each sentence.
1. For thousands of years, people (have recognized, are recognizing) the need for
standard measurements.
2. What would happen if different construction crews at the same site (were
using, will use) rulers of different lengths?
3. For many centuries, such problems (were occurring, are occurring) frequently.
4. Today, we (were avoiding, avoid) problems by using standardized
measurements.
5. In the past, each carpenter (measured, measures) a foot according to his
own foot.
6. Over time, each country (set, will be setting) standards of weights and
measures.
7. At last, many scientists (will agree, agreed) on a common set of standards.
8. The metric system (had related, relates) measures of length, weight, heat,
force, and other quantities.
9. By 1950, almost all countries (had adopted, are adopting) the metric system.
10. In the future, even the United States (has adopted, will adopt) the metric system.
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
The sentences of this story are out of order. Read the story. Use the verb tenses
and context to determine the correct order. Then rewrite the story in paragraph
form below, with the sentences in correct order.
Before my parents took their first cruise, my family had traveled together.
All of us will see glaciers and the midnight sun.
Now they are planning a cruise for the whole family.
They really enjoyed the cruise.
This time they want to go to Alaska.
For example, we had traveled to the Grand Canyon.
Then my parents took a cruise to the Caribbean.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK 101
CHAPTER 4
B. Correcting Sentence Order
Name
Lesson
8
Using Verb Tenses
Date
Application
A. Correcting Verb Tenses
Each underlined verb is in an incorrect tense. Write a correct form of the verb on
the line.
1. Next June, my parents have been married for fifteen years.
_________________________
2. After the old tapestry had been cleaned, the museum staff
hangs it carefully.
3. When the sun came out, the children’s snowman will melt.
_________________________
_________________________
4. A penny had been worth one-tenth of a dime and
one-hundredth of a dollar.
5. For this past week, the train will be arriving on time.
_________________________
_________________________
6. When we lost our electric power, we are watching my
favorite sitcom.
_________________________
7. Before Maizie won a race, she is competing in several
races unsuccessfully.
_________________________
9. I had checked the price of this coat in several stores
before I am buying it.
_________________________
10. While Dave mows the lawn, his sister washed the windows. _________________________
B. Correcting Sentence Order
Some of the verbs in this paragraph are in the wrong tense. Decide which verbs
must be changed. Write the numbers of these sentences below. Then rewrite
those sentences, correcting those verbs. Underline the verbs you have changed.
(1) For my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary, my parents, aunts,
and uncles bought them tickets for a cruise. (2) They said it was a small
payback for all my grandparents are doing for them through the years. (3) And
it's something they remember for the rest of their lives. (4) By the time my
grandparents return, they will have been gone almost three weeks. (5) By
then they will visit Barbados, St. Thomas, and other islands. (6) I hope they
were enjoying the cruise now. (7) With luck, they have a great time.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
102 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
CHAPTER 4
8. Danita kept forgetting her lines while she is acting in the play. _________________________
Name
Lesson
9
Date
Troublesome Verb Pairs
Teaching
Do not confuse these pairs of verbs. Read how they differ, and study the chart.
lie/lay Lie means “to rest or recline.” It does not take an object.
Lay means “to put or place something.” It does take an object.
set/sit Sit means “to be in a seat” or “to rest.” It does not take an object.
Set means “to put or place something.” It does take an object.
rise/raise Rise means “to move upward” or “to get up.” It does not take an object.
Raise means “to lift (something) up.” It usually takes an object.
leave/let Leave means “to depart” or “to allow something to remain where it is.”
Let means “to allow” or “permit.” Both leave and let may take objects.
Present
Lie / Lay
Sit / Set
Rise / Raise
Leave / Let
Past
Past Participle
lie My sister lies in a crib.
lay I lay down for a nap.
lain Others have lain there.
lay Al lays a book here.
laid He laid a book there.
laid He has laid two books down.
sit Jeff sits there.
sat Jeff sat there before.
sat Jeff has sat there often.
set Ann sets her hair.
set Ann set it last night.
set She has set it nightly.
rise We rise at 8 A.M.
rose We rose early.
risen You have risen early.
raise Fay raises the flag.
raised I raised it before.
raised Fay has raised it.
left You left your dog here.
left You have left a cat too.
let I let the dog come in.
let I have let the cat go out.
Using Troublesome Verbs Correctly
Underline the correct verb in parentheses.
1. That school (lets, leaves) both boys and girls try out for the baseball team.
2. Don’t (let, leave) your camera in a hot place for too long.
3. You had better (let, leave) the traffic clear before you try to cross this highway.
4. No one may (sit, set) in the bleachers during band practice.
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
5. We usually (sit, set) on the porch steps and talk about the news of the day.
6. The cat (lay, laid) in front of the fire all afternoon.
7. I think you have (laid, lain) in the sun too long.
8. I (rose, raised) at 5:00 this morning because I couldn’t sleep.
9. The ship’s owners hope to be able to (rise, raise) the sunken ship.
10. (Let, Leave) the lasagna bake in the oven for forty-five minutes.
11. To avoid accidents, (sit, set) that vase in the center of the table.
12. Who (lay, laid) this rake on the ground with its tines up?
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK 103
CHAPTER 4
leave Leave the bike here.
let Let me ride your bike.
Name
Lesson
9
Date
Troublesome Verb Pairs
More Practice
A. Using Troublesome Verbs Correctly
Underline the correct verb in parentheses.
1. Meg (sat, set) her science project on the teacher’s desk.
2. Someone (let, left) the car windows open.
3. The dog is (setting, sitting) under the tree enjoying the shade.
4. The patient must (lie, lay) perfectly still during the X-ray.
5. The family won’t (let, leave) the occasion pass without a celebration.
6. The divers had (raised, risen) to the surface.
7. The platypus at the zoo (lay, laid) an egg yesterday.
8. The curtain (rose, raised) on the last act of the class play.
9. We (let, left) our car at the airport when we flew to visit our grandparents.
10. Sam (set, sit) the mysterious brown package on the table.
B. Correcting Troublesome Verbs
1. We laid our towels on the beach before running into the water.
______________
2. Will the police leave us go through the barricade?
______________
3. If you do not raise an objection, the motion may pass.
______________
4. Help me lie these ceramic tiles in place.
______________
5. Sometimes it’s hard for babies to set long enough to have their
picture taken.
______________
6. Tomorrow, I shall lay in the sun and relax.
______________
7. The bread should raise if the yeast is good.
______________
8. Set aside any doubts you may have.
______________
9. Steve has left his car run out of gas.
______________
10. The tools were lying in that metal box.
______________
11. Did your sister sit the cover over the cake after she took some?
______________
12. Larry fell asleep two minutes after he had laid down.
______________
104 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
CHAPTER 4
Examine the boldfaced verb in each of the following sentences. If the verb is not
correct, write the proper verb on the line. If the verb is correct, write Correct.
Name
Lesson
9
Date
Troublesome Verb Pairs
Application
A. Correcting Troublesome Verbs
Examine the boldfaced verb in each of the following sentences. If the verb is not
correct, write the proper verb on the line. If the verb is correct, write Correct.
1. Throughout the game, we had to set in the bleachers.
______________
2. Before the parade started, Rose and George rose the banner.
______________
3. The guards waited for the shoplifter to leave the store.
______________
4. Why don’t you lay down until your headache goes away.
______________
5. The newspaper set on the doorstep waiting to be picked up.
______________
6. This new race car will leave the rest of them in the dust.
______________
7. The firemen set the old house on fire as a training exercise for
______________
their new firefighters.
8. You’d better not leave your dog out of your sight.
______________
9. John is working very hard to raise enough money to buy a new TV.
______________
______________
B. Using Troublesome Verbs Correctly
The following sentences contain five incorrectly used verbs. Rewrite the paragraph
below, correcting all five errors.
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
Every year, right about this time, the same idea raises in my mind. The
idea is that I'm working too hard. I sit here thinking that I need a vacation. Let
the rest of the world raise at the crack of dawn. I need to lay in bed another
hour or two or three. I need to just set and read all day. “Leave me alone,”
I want to tell the whole world. “Leave me rest.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS BOOK 105
CHAPTER 4
10. Thea lay out all the things to pack before putting them in the suitcase.